The NUU VINEYARD NEWS. Harris United Methodist Church 20 South Vineyard Blvd. Hon., HI WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION

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1 The NUU VINEYARD NEWS Harris United Methodist Church 20 South Vineyard Blvd. Hon., HI WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION Website: Facebook: HarrisUMC August 2016 PASTOR S CORNER LET ME JOIN WITH YOU Debbie and I greet you in the name of our Lord Christ. Our hearts were warmed (or cooled, considering the weather nowadays) by your welcoming kindness, and we are so fortunate to work with the members and friends of Harris United Methodist Church. Most of my appointments have been in Southern California, and Harris is the first one outside of the area. Excitement is there along with a bit of anxiety. Facing a road never been trotted for us makes both of us nervous and at the same time hope-filled. Yes, we enter yet another journey with a new congregation. Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak Somewhere between the night rains and scorching sun here, we slowly adjust ourselves to be part of the local culture and community. Along with prayers for what comes next and the legacy of the brave compassions of the past, we dare to wet our feet in the history of the yearning hearts of Harris. How the church has been interpreting what it means to be Christ s followers becomes part of our inspiration to be servant leaders to further the kingdom for all in our midst. As we continue to meet more of you, the more we want to be a part of a legacy that has hopeful signs for the future. We are grateful that we are here as part of the leadership of this: Christ s body and its community. We do not come to this community as religious professionals but as your friends and colleagues for Christ. Team-making and team-building efforts should be major parts of our leadership. Let our humanness to one another be a tool to interpret God s presence in the ministry. And, let our hopes and dreams become a true and authentic manifestation of the Most Compassionate Redeemer. May devotion, displayed by our labors together, be our centering inspiration. May our untiring labors for the oppressed and marginalized be the most real holiness of our faith journey together. Then, we may be able to stand against the fear around us. Violence and self-centered persuasions may lose their voices. There, we may see a body of Christ in the Christless world. One of the recent books that I revisit for a holy and spirit-sensitive heart is Soul Cravings by Erwin Raphael McManus where a chapter concludes with this thought that I think is most appropriate as I close my written greeting to you. And it says: Everything that drives us, every effort to succeed, every attempt to be significant, every moment we pursue a dream, advance a cause, or work to make the world better in any way is an act of hope. Blessings, Debbie and Cheol

2 AUGUST WORSHIP SERVICES WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! THE SEASON of PENTECOST 10:45am Worship August 7: 12th Sunday after Pentecost Holy Communion Rev. Cheol Kwak, preaching August 14: 13th Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Cheol Kwak, preaching August 21: 14th Sunday after Pentecost Peace With Justice Sunday Guest Speaker, Ashley Galacgac Rev. Rona Mangayayam, preaching August 28: 15th Sunday after Pentecost Christian Education Sunday Rev. Cheol Kwak, preaching 9:00 am Nichigo Worship (Japanese Language Ministry) Sensei Eiko Soranaka 5:00 pm Evening Worship (with Contemporary Music) Davy Lee & Joanne Tanimoto-Carmichael WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION ~ ALL ARE WELCOME! 2

3 IN MINISTRY TOGETHER MANY GIFTS, ONE SPIRIT Many gifts, one Spirit, one love known in many ways. In our difference is blessing, from diversity we praise one Giver, one Lord, one spirit, one Word known in many ways, hallowing our days. For the Giver, for the gifts, praise, praise, praise! (Refrain: UMH 114) This was our sung response following the Sharing of Gifts and God s Call by Felix Mata, Aubrey Bento and Rebecca Smith during Laity Sunday, July 24. What inspiring messages they gave! What was your response to the reflection questions: What are your passions and gifts that make you alive? How do you share your gifts? Your story in response to these questions is just as inspiring! Would you be willing to share via our newsletter? If so, please send me a copy. We must continue to tell our stories because personal witness connects hearts and minds in ways only God can fashion into life-giving, life-transforming, Kingdom of God community here on earth. Our annual Stewardship Campaign is coming up September 11, 18 and 25 culminating in Promise Giving Sunday. The theme this year is Giving Is The Way to Share God s Gifts. Please continue to discover the gifts God has given you and unconditionally share them as an expression of your deep gratitude to God. You are blessed to be a blessing! This month s recipe is from Cindy Olaguera: Kalua Pork Nachos 1 package Wonton Pi cut in half and fried crisp Kalua Pork, 2-3 cups, warmed Lomi Salmon, 2-3 cups drained Mixture of Mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce to your taste Line a dish or pan with the fried wonton pi. Top with kalua pork. Add lomi salmon over. Mix mayo and sriracha. Spoon in a sandwich bag and cut a corner. Drizzle over kalua/salmon and serve. Ono pupu! Submitted by Diane Matsuura, Lay Leader 3

4 Members of Harris UMC were blessed to have assisted in serving breakfast to Central Middle School students who participated in the POWER SCHOLARS ACADEMY, which is a collaborative effort with BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life) and the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA). BELL s mission is to transform the academic achievements, self-confidence, and life trajectories of children living in underresourced communities. Together with Y-USA, they collaborate to deliver summer learning programs which help struggling students to maintain some degree of reading and math skills, that ordinarily would be lost during the summer months. 4

5 Education Ministry SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL for children & youth 9:30am in Miyama Hall (note change in time) Music Ministry with Jordan Goto ADULT CLASSES: 9am Small Group Readings for Fall & Advent.. SMALL GROUP STUDY Weird Church, Welcome to the Twenty-First Century by Beth Ann Estock and Paul Nixon Books are available for sale at the courtyard after worship. The cost is $ Paul Nixon will be preaching at Harris on October 16. Choice of 2 study groups: Sundays, 9:00am: Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2 & 9 Rev. Rona Mangayayam & Rev. John Miyahara, Co Facilitators or Thursdays, 2:30pm-3:30pm: Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6 & 13 Rev. Rona Mangayayam Join us in this study...all ARE WELCOME! 5

6 Christian Education and Rally Sunday! AUGUST 28th 9:00am-10:00am Welcome to another church school year at Harris! Your Education Ministries Ohana is enthusiastic about seeing everyone back...refreshed and renewed from the summer! If you re looking for a way to get back into church, take a look to see what s happening this month and be a part of it! You won t regret it! We will be recognizing the importance of our faith with God, with the help from all of us...learners of Jesus Christ! Join us for a breakfast in Miyama Hall: meet (and eat!) with your friends in faith and the Harris Ohana! Bring a breakfast food to share...coffee and beverages will be provided. Then, the celebration will continue in the sanctuary where we will bless those teachers and helpers who have agreed to volunteer to help lead us...god s children! So, if you re thinking about getting back to church, now s the time and this is the place! Rally Sunday! Sunday, August 28, :00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Breakfast in Miyama Hall Bring a breakfast food to share! 6 GOD INVITES YOU!

7 2016 FALL MUSIC SEASON! Praise God through music! Check out the many opportunities to participate in one of the most spiritually uplifting experiences we offer at Harris UMC: MUSIC! All ages are included and most do not require experience. Participants do not have to be members of the church, so bring friends! Child care is provided as requested. CHANCEL CHOIR: Diane Matsuura, director: Jordan Goto, choral intern: No previous experience or music reading necessary, all ages children to seniors welcome! Rehearsals begin August 27 (Saturday workshop 9:00 11:30 a.m.) and Sundays following worship beginning August 28, noon to 1:30 p.m. with a snack to tide you over. All rehearsals in Miyama Hall. NEW this year, the 3rd SUNDAY CHOIR! No previous rehearsal - come at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning and join in! The anthem will be easily learned in a short rehearsal. Invite others to join you and sing in the choir just once a month! Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20. CHILDREN S CHOIR meets every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. as part of our Sunday School program. Jordan Goto, director. HANDBELLS: Karen Carlisle, director: kdingaling@hotmail.com, Come and Try! Have you ever been interested in trying handbells with no commitment to join? Now is your chance! Come to Miyama Hall September 12, 6:00-7:00 p.m. and see how fun it is to ring! (includes Heavenly Handbells and Halle Halle Ringers. Halle Halle Ringers will continue rehearsal from 7:00 8:15 p.m.) Teens to Seniors Welcome - Bring a friend or two! Regular rehearsals resume the following week, September 19, in room 5: Heavenly Handbells (Beginners, no music reading necessary) 6:00-7:00p.m Halle Halle Ringers (Experienced Ringers) 7:00-8:15 p.m Keiki Joy Ringers: Children s Community Handbell Choir for 3rd 5th graders rehearse Mondays, 2:45 3:45 p.m. in room 5 beginning August 8. No music reading necessary. Tutoring available following rehearsal until 5:30 p.m. UKULELE: Davy Lee, leader: dlee78@hawaii.rr.com, Ukulele Fellowship meets 9am in room 5. Plays at various Harris functions and worship; various types of music-- Hawaiian, local, worship. PRAISE TEAM: Davy Lee, leader. Meets 3:45pm Sundays to rehearse for 5:00 pm Worship. Praise Music. YOUTH PRAISE BAND! Skylar Yamamoto, leader: playball808@gmail.com, For students in grades Practice at 9:00 a.m. Sunday mornings in room 16 and play in worship on the 3rd Sundays. No experience necessary Sky will teach you to play the instrument(s)! ALL ARE WELCOME! 7

8 COME JOIN US FIRST EVER HARRIS JOINT 4 C s & CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING ALL ARE INVITED TO SHARE YOUR VISIONS AND WHERE OUR CHURCH SHOULD BE GOING IN THE YEARS AHEAD WITH PASTOR CHEOL SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th 8:00 am 10:00 am (Miyama Hall) POTLUCK BREAKFAST (PLEASE BRING A DISH FOR ALL TO ENJOY) Contact Dennis Pacht, Council Chair or Diane Matsuura, Lay Leader 8

9 IMAGES FROM JULY 24 9

10 SHARING THEIR STORY for LAITY SUNDAY By Rebecca Smith Good morning friends. I m honored to have been asked to be one of the speakers this morning. As a new member of the Harris ohana I feel humbled to be speaking to so many who given so much to this church, but in that same generous spirit, I hope I can give something back. Some of you know that I am a fund raiser for the University of Hawaii and that I came here with my husband last December. I have been a fund raiser for more than 30 years, it is the only job I have ever had and I would like to tell you how I came to do this work. I grew up the daughter of a Methodist minister and so always in the extended family of the Methodist Church. You know, they say preacher s kids are the WORST, most likely to act up and rebel, but for me, living in the bosom of that community, even with the ladies of the church taking an unusually active interest in my upbringing, felt like love to me. So when I finished my undergraduate education, I decided to go to theology School with the aim of becoming a minister. If that sounds a bit casual to you, it was, I had no idea why I wanted to be a minister, other than that I looked up to my dad, loved the church and was moved by the writings of the Hebrew Bible. So I went to theology school and studied the Old Testament, learned to read Hebrew, and decided that I was not cut out for the ministry. I realized that I needed a stronger faith, a more courageous heart and a commitment to helping people find their way to God and also patience, ministers need a lot of patience. So when I finished graduate school, I needed a job, and I ended up in the typing pool in the Cornell University development office. There I met a very inspiring person named Dave Dunlop who had served his alma mater, Cornell, for his whole career in the process of doing that he came to have a very special appreciation for how generous people think about their giving. Dave reminded me of something I had known since I was a little girl putting money in the offering plate, that giving is a very natural, joyful part of being human and that because of that our most important role as fund raisers, is to facilitate that natural, joyful inclination. Working at Cornell, and then Harvard and then Stanford University and now at the University of Hawaii, I ve been able to witness how people seek to use their money to make the world a better place. I ve seen extraordinary, illogical generosity and have come to see that while it is special, it is how we are built as people. And so, thanks be to God, I discovered a career as well as a calling and work that truly gives me a sense of purpose. As the Psalmist says: For you formed me in my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Amen! 10

11 SHARING THEIR STORY for LAITY SUNDAY By Felix Mata I was asked today to talk about sharing God s gifts, what motivates me and how my faith has deepened by this? When people are asked why they give one of the quickest answers is that God wants me to. But why does God want us to give? Real giving comes from the heart and includes no expectations of anything in return. As a father I understand that giving is tied to love. There is no better joy than to see the happiness in your loved ones eyes as you do something that makes them happier than you could ever imagine, but giving should not only stop at those close to you. My parents (John and Makoto Mata) instilled this character in me as I grew up poor and not having much, but in my little Mexican neighborhood back in Fort Worth, TX we always seemed to have more than others. As a Boy Scout I was required to give back to the community, in college I volunteered to work as an ESL teacher as well as a greeter at a battered women s shelter. When I worked in Japan during my vacation I would travel to other countries and pair up with a nonprofit to build a house, hand out supplies or just teach English. Even now, I volunteer to teach Beginner Japanese, manage the Honolulu Single Parents Group, serve as the Website Manager for the Aina Haina PTA and feed the homeless at Next Step Shelter... But I always believed that I was cheating these organizations as I always received more from these activities than the recipients that I was giving to. It is my belief that God gave me certain gifts that can be shared or taught with/to others. Lastly, God gave me good health, a stable income and a wonderful family along with two beautiful children. With all of those gifts... a man could not ask for more or be more thankful. 11

12 SHARING THEIR STORY for LAITY SUNDAY By Aubrey Bento Good morning everyone. Today, I would like to tell you about my experience as a Big Sister for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Just so you know, the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, one-on-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. I ve been a Big Sister for the past 5 years. A lot of people ask me how I got involved with the program. I ve always loved being around children and because of what I learned here at Harris, I ve always enjoyed helping others. It seemed to me that being a Big Sister, I d be able to do both, so I decided to join our high school club that was linked with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I ve been paired with my current Little Sister for the past 4 years. We met when she was 6 and I was still in high school and now she s 10 and I m almost done with college. From the moment I met her, I knew that we would be a great match because she reminded me of myself when I was her age. She was very quiet and shy, but eventually I got her to talk to me instead of just nodding or shaking her head and now, we rarely have short conversations. It really amazes me how much she s grown over the past 4 years and I m so honored to be a part of her life. We started off in the school based program where I would see her once a week for an hour at her elementary school which added up to around 4 hours a month. When we were in the school based program, we did arts and crafts and worked on homework and it was a really great way to start off our relationship. But as our relationship grew, I realized that an hour a week wasn t enough for us to really get to know each other. Last year, I decided that I was ready to take on the responsibility of being a community Big. This was a huge step for me because it meant that I was responsible for driving my Little, planning activities, and paying for whatever costs there might be, but we also get to spend twice the amount of time together. Honestly, I was a little worried about making this commitment because I had just started working and I was also busy with school. It took me a little while to make the decision, but in the end, I knew that being in the community based program was a step in the right direction for our relationship. I knew that it was God s plan for us to learn from each other and help each other through whatever He had intended for us. I was worried that I wouldn t be able to make time for everything, but here I am almost a year later, still working, still going to school, and still spending time with my Little Sister. In fact, I think being a community Big has helped me manage my time better, be more responsible, and the time I spend with my Little Sister reminds me how to have fun and how to be young at heart. This past year has been the most fun for both of us and sometimes, it does get a little tough when our schedules conflict and it s hard to plan an outing, but seeing her smile and having fun makes it all worth it. We ve done so much together this past year from watching movies, to horseback riding, from playing mini golf to exploring museums. We really enjoy getting to go to new places and try new things together. Big Brothers Big Sisters says that their goal is to change children s lives for the better, but being a Big Sister has changed my life for the better as well. Spending time with my Little Sister has made me see the world through a child s eyes and she teaches me how to have faith in the good of the world and to always see the best in people. God has given me a wonderful gift by leading me to be passionate about my relationship with my Little Sister. I m so grateful that He has guided me along this journey, as I have not only found a friend, but a true sister. 12

13 NEXT STEP OUTREACH HANA HOU!! A group of Harris Ohana members once again helped TRINITY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH to serve a Friday evening meal to those at the NEXT STEP SHELTER located near Pier 1 in Kaka ako. The Next Step Shelter is managed by Waikiki Health (wakikihc.org) and services the homeless or those who are at risk of being homeless MAHALO to TRINITY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH for allowing us to serve with them~ the simple meal of love for those in need. We hope to do it again.stay TUNED!! 13

14 General Conference 2016 is History Vibrant worship, inspiring and challenging preaching by the bishops of the United Methodist Church were highlights of the past two weeks at General Conference. I looked forward to worship every day. During the complicated parliamentary plenary procedures, we struggled to hear God s word. Most of the work was done in groups outside of the plenaries as small groups strategized how to get a crucial issue on the floor or how to defeat, stall, refer or table an issue that was not reflective of their point of view off the floor. Non-Legislative Highlights: Commissioning of Missionaries, Deaconesses and Home Missioners in plenary sessions in keeping with the theme Go Therefore celebrating 60 years of the ordination of women, anticipation of the 150 year anniversary of UMW, and finally the close of the Imagine No Malaria campaign as it morphed into the more expansive Abundant Health focus for our church with emphasis on the prevention of the deaths of infants, children and mothers. This might be the only positive legislation that women achieved at a conference obsessed with reversing petitions supportive to women, especially those related to reproductive rights. General Conference 2016 was historic in that the delegates requested help from the Council of Bishops to find a way forward on divisive issues. This had never happened before because of the clear separation of responsibilities between the bishops of the UMC and delegates. In a close vote, , the delegates voted to establish a commission led by the Council of Bishops to develop a process to deal with the most divisive issue of the current UMC, the inclusion of LGBTQ brothers and sisters. Mandatory punitive penalties were being passed in the legislative sessions and there was fear that this could lead to schism. Unlike an earlier General Conference there were no pieces of a broken challis on the floor but there were pierced hearts. An inclusive presence abounded at General Conference - clergy in stoles lining the walk, circling the table inside the bar, songs of inclusion wafting through the halls, the Love Your Neighbor Coalition members circling and quietly walking outside the bar. Commissions and studies based on inclusive issues in the UMC date back at least to the early 1990s. I firmly believe that the deep seated roots of our divide will only be reconciled when there are autonomous churches circling the world, bound together loosely like the Anglicans or our World Methodist Council. Another alternative is that we are all organized in central conferences where our social justice differences can be addressed within our respective cultures. In looking back, social justice issues previously affirmed by the UMC took backward steps but progress will continue, as these retrospective actions are up with which I will not put in the words of Winston Churchill. It was wonderful to be with the committed members of Cal-Pac and to greet worldwide friends in person and not only on Facebook. Submitted by Norma Kehrberg Cal-Pac Reserve Delegate 14

15 WHAT HAPPENED? Reflections from Annual Conference Jurisdictional Delegate Norma Kehrberg Since returning from Annual Conference 2016 several have asked, what actually happened at Annual Conference 2016? The official report will come from the Harris UMC delegates. I did not officially represent Harris UMC but I tried not to embarrass Harris. One of the memorable evenings was the retirement dinner when we celebrated the long ministries of three former pastors of Harris UMC - Nobuko Miyake-Stoner, Gary Barbaree, and Sam Domingo. It was a fun evening and I learned something new about each one. Also Rev. Manako of Kahuku retired and it was great to see his family present including the former NFL Super Bowl winners. I have always felt taller than most around me, (except as I shrink with older age), but I felt like an ant in awe of the two sons. Even my photo missed their head and feet. One of the most serious items of business at this Annual Conference was the selection of a nominee from our Annual Conference for consideration to be the next Bishop of our Jurisdiction. We were each asked to nominate three clergy during the earliest session. Those who received at least 25 nominations were to be considered in a ballot. After their names were released and they were on the ballot, six of the candidates declined the nomination. That left three on the ballot. Rev. Craig Brown, Caucasian of First UMC San Diego, the largest church in our AC; Rev. Cederick Bridgeforth, an African American former District Superintendent and Dean of the Cabinet; and Rev. Frank Wulf, Caucasian, pastor of USC-UM for 11 years, a gay man in a long standing committed relationship. Frank also ran for Bishop in The drama unfolded just as the votes were going to be announced when Cederick Bridgeforth withdrew his nomination. There was shocked silence in the house. The Bishop accepted his withdrawal and then the votes were announced. Cederick received over 600 votes, the highest of all. Then there was a stunned silence. Frank Wulf was over the threshold to become a nominee. At that time, according to the Book of Discipline procedures, the Annual Conference could decide to vote again and add a name. That was overwhelmingly turned down and Rev. Frank Wulf, will be the nominee from Cal Pac for Bishop in the Western Jurisdiction. The voting will take place from July 13-18, 2016 in Phoenix. I will be casting my vote there. Frank will join four other official nominees from the Annual Conferences in the Jurisdiction including one Caucasian male from Rocky Mountain AC, a Hispanic woman from Desert Southwest, a gay Caucasian woman from Cal-Nevada and my longtime missionary activist friend, a Caucasian woman from the Pacific Northwest with missionary experience in Central America. I expect that there will be other candidates. The Western Jurisdiction made history many years ago by electing the late Leontine Kelley as the first African American woman as Bishop in 1984 after she was passed over in other jurisdictions. Some in the UMC are already looking toward the Western Jurisdiction to see if they will make history again. Another progressive action at the Annual Conference and which is also drawing attention from UMC media is that Cal Pac joined three other annual conferences (including the Pacific Northwest) in approving a resolution to be in non-conformity with the Book of Discipline related to judicial procedures on prohibitions against LGBTQIA persons. As one might say, the progressive voice of the UMC in the western jurisdiction is alive. 15

16 Rev. Gary and Lynn Barbaree retiring from Christ United Methodist Church in Santa Maria, CA. Rev. Sam Domingo retiring from Kilohana United Methodist Church with Rev. Nobuko Miyake-Stoner from Harris. 16

17 ACOLYTE HELPERS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Our life--transforming services at Harris are enhanced by work of the Acolyte ministry. Acolyte helpers and acolytes are needed immediately. Please contact Jo Tanimoto-Carmichael at if you have any questions. ALL ARE WELCOME! Just a little reminder from your Stewardship team...we're in the midst of summer and for a lot of folks, that means vacation time! However, the business of the church continues. Please remember your Promise of Giving (made during last fall's Stewardship campaign) that fills our needs during the summer months. Mahalo! Electronic Giving: If you are not yet signed up for e-giving and are interested, please contact Sachi Taketa for more information at You will no longer need to worry about carrying a check or cash to put in the offering plate or send through the mail. YOU are invited to become a member of Harris United Methodist Church! Please contact Pastor Cheol Kwak ( ) or Pastor Rona (rona@harrisumc.org or ) if you are interested in joining our Harris Ohana! NEWSLETTER deadline is 15th of each month Submit to Cheryl Yamamoto: news4harris@gmail.com Sustainability Covenant "God calls us to be careful, humble stewards of this earth, and to protect and restore for its own sake and for the future use and enjoyment of the human family" If you are receiving a hard copy version in the mail, please reconsider the sustainable alternative by reading it online from the church website. This will save our blessed & fragile environment and decrease postage & paper costs in the long term. Online versions are in color and will include all submitted photos/graphics; and hard copy versions will be in black & white and text only. To receive your newsletter via rather than by postage mail, CONTACT: news4harris@gmail.com We thank you for practicing good stewardship!! Facebook: HarrisUMC Website: 17